[From the “Fawn,” a Comedy, by John Marston, 1606.]
In the Preface to this Play, the Poet glances at some of the Play-wrights of his time; with a handsome acknowledgment, notwithstanding, of their excellencies.
“for my own interest let this once be printed, that, of men of my own addition, I love most, pity some, hate none: for let me truly say it, I once only loved myself for loving them; and surely I shall ever rest so constant to my first affection, that, let their ungentle combinings, discurteous whisperings, never so treacherously labour to undermine my unfenced reputation, I shall (as long as I have being) love the least of their graces, and only pity the greatest of their vices.
Ipse semi-paganus
Ad sacra vatûm carmen affero nostrum.”
[Commendatory Verses before three Plays of Sir William Killigrew, by T. L.]
1.
That thy wise and modest Muse
Flies the Stage’s looser use;
Not bawdry Wit does falsely name,
And to move laughter puts off shame:
2.
That thy theatre’s loud noise
May be virgin’s chaste applause;
And the stoled matron, grave divine,
Their lectures done, may tend to thine: